Strengthening agricultural production, harnessing local identity, entrepreneurship and creating prospects for young people were key axes of the discussion.
The third of a series of events took place in Farsala on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the Farsala Municipal Cultural Center. RIS3 Innovation Café, Within the framework of the series of participatory meetings organized by the Thessaly Region, aiming to strengthen the dialogue between the local community, entrepreneurship, and the research and innovation ecosystem.
The event provided an opportunity to highlight the region’s development challenges, discuss the potential of the local economy, and explore ways in which innovation and collaboration can create new prospects for Farshała.
The development challenges of the region
Special emphasis was placed on the importance of the primary sector for the economy of Farslon and the need to enhance the added value of local production. The connection of agro-food with innovation, the promotion of the identity of local products and the utilization of new business opportunities are important directions for the sustainable development of the region.
At the same time, the demographic challenge faced by Farshalas was highlighted, with particular reference to the exodus of young people and the need to create more employment opportunities and entrepreneurial activity.
In his public statement in connection with the event, the Mayor of Farşalón, Iordanes Eskioğlu, emphasized the need to create the appropriate conditions so that young people can return and develop professional activity in their hometown.
Important parameters highlighted were the exploitation of the region’s historical and cultural heritage, the enhancement of its tourism identity, the improvement of infrastructure and connectivity, as well as easier access for small businesses and producers to information and financial tools.
Innovation as a tool for local development
Through the philosophy of the RIS3 Innovation Cafés, innovation is viewed as a process that starts from the real needs of each region and leverages knowledge, entrepreneurship, and collaboration to seek out applicable solutions.
The Smart Specialization Strategy of Thessaly aims to create stronger links between businesses, producers, research organizations and public bodies, encouraging the creation of collaborations with significant impact on the regional economy.
The continuation of the RIS3 Innovation Cafés
The meeting in Farsala is part of a broader series of eight local events across Thessaly, which aims to document the specific needs and capabilities of different regions, strengthening the participation of local communities in the dialogue on innovation.
The issues highlighted in the meetings can serve as a starting point for further exploration of collaborations and initiatives, linking local development priorities with the capabilities of the regional research and innovation ecosystem.
The RIS3 Innovation Cafés They are carried out by the Thessaly Region as part of the Program «Thessalia 2021–2027» and the Mechanism for Monitoring, Supporting, Informing and Connecting Businesses with Research Organizations.
More information: www.ris3thessaly.gr
We listen. We connect. We innovate. We move forward.
RIS3 Innovation Cafés – a dialogue that travels throughout Thessaly.
